Long Beach to Host 7th Annual Celebration of the Young Child 

Long Beach is inviting families to come together for a day of play, learning and connection in honor of the city’s youngest residents.

The City of Long Beach will host the 7 annual Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 in Downtown Long Beach. This free, family-friendly event will feature interactive activities, live performances and valuable resources for children up to age 8 and their caregivers.

The celebration will take place at the Billie Jean King Main Library and the surrounding Lincoln Park. Free parking will be available at the Civic Center parking garage at Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.

The event will feature a variety of engaging performances that celebrate storytelling, music and culture. Families can enjoy bilingual storytelling, interactive songs and lively performances that highlight traditions from around the world.

Additional activities throughout the day include:

• Music and movement for toddlers and preschool-aged children

• Read-aloud storytimes

• A sensory exploration area

• Hands-on educational activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity

In addition, families will have access to a range of free early childhood screenings and resources, helping support healthy development during these critical early years.

Available services include:

• Developmental screenings using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)

• Speech and language screenings provided by California State University, Long Beach’s Speech and Language Clinic

• Vision screenings offered by the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic

• Routine childhood vaccinations

• Oral health assessments, including screenings, education and take-home dental care kits

These services are designed to give families helpful insights and connect them with local resources and support. Some screenings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is encouraged.

Families can also visit information booths hosted by local and regional organizations offering programs and services for young children. These resources focus on promoting healthy development, school readiness and overall family well-being.

The Celebration of the Young Child is a collaborative effort led by the City’s Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library and the Mayor’s Fund for Education.

For more information about early childhood programs and resources in Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/earlychildhood.